contrived

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He Gets Us has been running these strange, Jesus-themed commercials for multiple Super Bowls in a row now, and they’re only getting more contrived.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

But Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday: "Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing."

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Djiga contrived to head the ball into Martinez's path under no pressure to gift Braga a point, the defender appearing to lose the flight of the ball in swirling conditions.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2025

The problem with “The Heart Sellers” is that Luna and Jane are saddled with a contrived premise that doesn’t allow them sufficient room for dramatic complexity.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

It was possible that the whole situation was contrived to try to get me to escape, though I do not think that was the case.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela